Roxianna Lockhart Draper

Roxianna L. Draper was born in Louisville, KY on September 23, 1946. She was the second of two children, of the late Geneva Turner Lockhart Hill and the late Robert Clinton Lockhart. She attended Toney Elementary School, Toney, Alabama and Council Training High School, Normal, Alabama. Roxianna was united in marriage to her high school best friend, Otha L. Draper and they were blessed with two male bundles of joy and pride: Gervase (Joanil) and Marcus. She loved God deeply and she loved her two boys and extended that same love to her nephew, LeWayne whom she loved deeply and helped raise him as her own son. Roxianna, affectionately known as Roxie, Mom or Nana was a Smart and Brilliant, Mathematician, Saturn Space Launch Technician, Aviation Air Traffic Controller, Programmer, and Computer Science Engineer. She was raised by, and the Granddaughter of, Bessie and Anthony Turner, Harvest, AL. The Granddaughter of Annie and Robert Lockhart, Louisville. KY. She was the Great Granddaughter of Mollie Millhouse Townsend, (a nurse.and child of slave parents). Her Great Grandfather was Robert (Peat) Lee Lockhart (a White Alabama Land Owner/Farmer) and Great Grandmother Mary (Mattie) Lockhart; From: Ireland. Roxianna L. Draper - Earned a Degree in Mathematics from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL. From her teenage years, Roxianna L. Draper - had a keen interest in science and mathematics. As a High School student Roxianna L. Draper graduated valedictorian of her class, played basketball, ran track, and played drums in the school band. As a College Student -She was hired as a NASA Intern at Redstone Arsenal Alabama, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). After her College Graduation and NASA Internship, Roxianna L. Draper was hired to work full-time for NASA. This job prompted her to master calculus and trigonometry so she could understand the physics of space travel to send the First American Astronaut to the Moon. In 1967 - Roxianna L. Draper received a“Certificate of Participation” from NASA to send an Astronaut to the moon. Her Certificate of Recognition was Signed by Dr. Werner Von Braun - Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Chief Architect of the Saturn V launch vehicle, the superbooster that would propel Americans to the Moon. Shortly after - In 1969 President John F. Kennedy challenged America to send a man to the Moon by the end of the decade. Mission accomplished. As a youth, Roxianna L. Draper became interested in science and mathematics with the possibilities of space exploration! She fulfilled her dream with work not only for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center but her work at MACONIC’S AVIATION, FAA air traffic control and navigation systems for both civil and military aircrafts, and IBM the world’s largest computer hardware and software company. Roxianna L. Draper’s Memory - will be cherished by her Husband of 58 years, Otha L. Draper, two children, Gervase (Joanil) and Marcus; three siblings: Doris Gothard, Larry Harris, Sr., and Jennifer Fountain; Sister-in-laws: the late Mattie Battles (Willie B.), Elsie Nance; Mary Peoples, and Hazel Pope (Jake); Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Terrance Jalen Escontrias/TJ, Gervase Philemon/Gerger II, Donovan Alexander, Devin Xavier and Marcus Alan II, and her four great grandchildren: Gerardo Daniel Escontrias/Lalo, Jalen Xavier, Damian Jesus, and Christopher James Escontrias/CJ. In addition - She believed once a family member, always a family member. She was the proud mother-in-law to two Daughter-in-laws: Joanil Claudio-Draper (Gervase) and Mayelyn Ferreras-Draper (mother of Marcus Alan Draper II). Her memory will be cherished by her dedicated Caretaker and Nurse, Pam who loved her deeply, and by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by her life and cherish her memory. Roxie, the Beloved Sister of Doris, Larry and Jennifer, was a beautiful, smart, quiet, strong, caring, generous, reliable, loyal and precious gift to the family and the world. Above all, she was a modest woman of strength, courage and faith to have accomplished and given so much to others throughout her life! A compassionate “Christian woman” who always loved Jesus, Christmas and the joy of Gift-giving; looking for the positive in every situation. Roxianna L. Draper - a Wife, a Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother, Sister, Cousin, Niece, Aunt, Friend, Female Mathematician, Saturn Space Launch Technician, Aviation Air Traffic Controller and Computer Science Engineer - She touched many lives and her life and her memory will be cherished! “Therefore, you now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” ~John 26:22 (NKJV)

Roxianna Lockhart Draper

September 23, 1946 - February 24, 2026